Speak Out 9/26/10

Late fair noise

I don't normally complain about the noise of the fair, because it's part of our community once a year. But last night was exceptional. I was awakened about 2 a.m., and the noise went on until almost 3 a.m. Whatever was going on should have been stopped no later than midnight or 1 a.m. I live over a mile away, and it woke me up. Something needs to be done about that.

Jackson grading

WHAT happened to Jackson's high expectations? I've always been proud to send my children to Jackson schools because they have high expectations. Who has decided to do this so-called research-based grading system? And why change it when we have had a successful district? Why change it when a neighboring school district 30 miles north of us has tried it and within a few years teachers were transferring out and parents were upset? School board, you need to wake up. You need to get involved. We need a change.

Highway caution

I live on Highway 177 where people drive to and from Procter & Gamble. People need to realize that there are people pulling out of their driveways. Every time I pull out, I've got somebody right behind me and they zoom past to get around me like I'm driving too slow. Somebody is going to have wreck. Slow down a little bit.

Negative ads

THOSE politicians who are running negative ads might as well save their money. Anyone with half a brain knows they are lies.

Runaway spending

I'M reading the comment about tax and debt that criticizes Gary Rust for talking about the Bush tax cuts and wanting them not to expire and about the growing debt. That's not because of the lack of taxes. The reason for the growing debt is the runaway spending and borrowing. If you want to reduce the debt, pass an 85 percent tax on everybody, but that wouldn't pay for expanding spending 10 more times. There won't be enough money in the world to take care of the debt if we keep spending with no responsibility. And that's what we've got.

Need more info

I still don't know who to vote for because the campaign system isn't working. People who are running for office will not tell us how they are qualified. They do not tell us anything about their family, if they're married, if they have children or their church affiliation. I would like to know something personal about these candidates before I make up my mind. Where do they get all the money for their advertising? Is there something wrong here?

Obama's success

A comment said President Obama hasn't done anything. I disagree, and this is what he has done: 1. A bailout saved us from a depression. 2. stimulus -- unemployment would have been 11.5 percent if not worse. 3. Saved GM and Chrysler. 4. Student loans -- now college students get a lot better interest rate. 5. Tobacco's now under the FDA. 6. Consumer bill of rights. 7. Airline passenger bill of rights. 8. Health care -- when it becomes popular, I still hope they call it Obamacare. 9. Pulled out of Iraq. 10. Afghan surge. 11. Plugging the doughnut hole in the Medicare prescription plan. 12. Big middle-class tax cut. 13. Plugging the well in the Gulf -- if it hadn't been plugged, he would have been blamed for it. 14. Wall Street reform. 15. He put Elizabeth Warren in charge of consumer reform.

Casino assets

I'M visiting from northern Indiana where we built a casino 16 or 17 years ago. It was built in an area that was run down and crime-infested. Now it's clean, pretty and accessible. Casino revenue has paid for five fire houses. We have new sanitary sewers and storm sewers throughout the entire city. We have resurfaced roads and added curbs and lighting, which makes the city safer. The casino donates money to a lot of charities, schools and other organizations. The casino brings so many people to town who shop and eat at restaurants, which brings money to our town. The casino funds a huge Fourth of July fireworks display. It brings big-name entertainers to our town at a reasonable price. There's enough security in that area that there is no increased crime. I see in your paper that many people here are saying that a casino would be the destruction of your city. Many in our town felt that way before the casino was built, but a lot of people have changed their minds. The casino has been an asset to our city.

Ride the bus

FOR the Clippard parents complaining about the long line to pick up your child after school and asking the district or city to find a solution, you need to rethink this just a bit. The problem is the parents, including you, who pick up their child after school every single day because they don't want their child to ride the bus. That is your solution. It's already there. Use it. Don't say that your child has activities after school. Plan around your child's schedule. Don't expect the school and the city to plan around yours. All of you parents are contributing to air pollution. Let your child ride the bus.

Soccer parking

EVERYBODY is excited to see their children and grandchildren play sports. But cars are all over the no-parking areas and in front of the fire hydrants at the soccer park. If the no-parking zones aren't needed, get rid of them. Otherwise, some enforcement is needed.

No to casino

SHOULD the local economy move directionally toward encouraging the gambling industry? Our friends in Nevada have a 14-plus percent unemployment rate, and 45 percent of homes are either in foreclosure or underwater.

Baiting the hook

CASINOS bait the hook by telling voters how much they contribute to worthy causes like veterans or education. Local politicians look at the money being dangled in front of them like it's Christmas and are already salivating with pet projects that they will fund with the bait money.

Economic rot

CASINOS boast of the payroll money that will go into the local area. However, does a casino coming to an area result in economic rot? Is it income redistribution in reverse by dangling the bait of instant riches in front of poor people who should be spending their money on food and school supplies for their children?

In the Bible

I agree with the writer that said they shouldn't be disrespected for not believing in God. God even mentioned you in Scripture: "The fool says in his heart, there is no God."

Donation disclosure

TEA Party Patriots received a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor. Aren't political organizations required to report the names of their donors?